Home‐dwelling older adults' attitudes and perceptions of dementia: A Q‐methodological study in South Korea

Abstract

Aim: Older adult attitudes and perceptions of dementia can have a major impact on early diagnosis, efforts to prevent and appropriately treat it, as well as being a family burden. The aim of this study is to explore attitudes and perceptions of dementia of home-dwelling older adults using Q-methodology.Method: A total of 42 adults, age 65 or over, who live in South Korea ranked 37 Q statements about their attitudes and perceptions of dementia into A Q sort table grid. Results: The following three distinct viewpoints were extracted: (1) it is my responsibility to prevent and to care about dementia (family-centered view);(2) there are no ways to treat dementia (despairing views); and (3) dementia is a national responsibility (nation-centered view). Conclusion:Based on these results, central and local government and communities should work together with older adults to manage dementia and reflect these three viewpoints when developing systematic dementia management programs.